By: Renée Rockford
President & CEO
I once overheard a conversation between an architect and a plastic surgeon touring a construction site. Neither knew the other’s profession, but the line of questioning began: “And what do you do?” “Well, I am the architect, and my firm designed this building.”
“Oh, I am so envious of your job and of the long-lasting impact of your work; buildings can stand for hundreds of years!” “Well, thank you, and what is it that you do?” “I am a plastic surgeon; my work is fleeting.”
The conversation reminded me of this week’s parsha, Vayakhel, in which we reach the end of the voluminous details on the construction of the Mishkan, God’s temporary dwelling place on earth. Moses assembles the people of Israel, inspects the finished product, and gives them a blessing.
Moses said to the people: “May it be God’s will that His Presence rests in the work of your hands.” (Psalm 90:17). What is the real meaning of his blessing? After the very detailed work of building the Tabernacle, (The Torah devotes 13 chapters covering the construction of Mishkan; there is only one chapter in the Torah covering the Creation, three chapters covering the Giving of the Torah), Moses reminds all of Israel that it was not the physical structure, nor the fine objects they created that were at the center of the instruction, rather, according to Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l, it is human action and intention in accordance with the will of God that creates holiness. Put another way, it is through our daily actions of goodness and righteousness that we build a world in which the Divine Presence can truly dwell.
Whether a carpenter or doctor; a mechanic or lawyer, may all the work of our hands and hearts together help fill this Jewish community and create a welcome space for the Divine and one another. Shabbat Shalom.
Please email Renée Rockford at rrockford@jewishcolorado.org with questions or comments.